PORT ADELAIDE couldn’t convert its late opportunities, kicking 2.5 in the last quarter and eventually falling to South Adelaide by seven points.

The Panthers piled on five goals to two in the third quarter, leaving Port Adelaide on the back foot and faced with a game-high 16-point margin.

The Magpies fought back hard in the last quarter, however it wasn’t enough to defeat South Adelaide who emerged victorious with a 9.11 (65) to 8.10 (58) win.

Slippery conditions at Magain Stadium kept the two sides evenly matched for the most part, with small moments leaving coach Hamish Hartlett bitterly disappointed with this missed opportunity.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t defend as well as we needed to,” Hartlett said.

“South Adelaide were able to get a bit of momentum, particularly early in the game.”

Hartlett was also disappointed with his team’s work rate across four quarters which ultimately cost Port Adelaide a chance to win their fourth consecutive game.

“(Effort) needs to be unconditional, in the contest, with your work rate… There’s a level and there’s an expectation that you need to get to each week to be able to perform,” Hartlett said.

“(We) need to have a good review of how we went in those particular areas with work rate and contest to make sure we bring that next week against Norwood.”

Key forward Jack Lukosius made a successful return from injury struggles that have kept him sidelined since March, impacting with two goals and 12 marks.

“(Lukosius) moved around alright,” Hartlett said. “It was important for him to get through unscathed, which he did, and he got a little bit of the ball too.”

“I think everyone’s better off for having him come out the back of the game okay.”

Midfielder Jackson Mead also responded well in his first game for the Magpies since 2023, amassing 26 disposals and converting an important goal late in the game, impressing Hartlett with his professional attitude.

“(Mead)’s a very professional young guy. He came back with a great attitude, worked exceptionally hard and showed some good leadership out there,” Hartlett said.

“It was nice for him to get a bit more of the ball and just regain a bit of confidence in his performance.”

Ryan Burton was unable to finish the game with a knee concern early in the first quarter which will be assessed during the week.

Port Adelaide will look to bounce back against Norwood next Sunday at 1:10pm at Alberton Oval.

SCOREBOARD

PA 2.2  4.5  6.5  8.10  (58)

SA  2.4  3.6  8.9  9.11 (65)

Best: Moore, Soldo, Mead, McEntee, Lukosius, Lorenz

Goals: Lukosius 2, Barrett, Charleson, Lord, Mead, Moraes, Soldo